AS BROWN NURSES INJURY, BULLS GO FROM BAD TO WORSE

Fred Mitchell, Tribune Staff WriterCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Less than a third of the way through the season, the Bulls already are living la vida loca.

Serious injuries to Hersey Hawkins, Toni Kukoc, Fred Hoiberg and now Randy Brown have depleted a backcourt that represented the most experienced area of what could have been, at best, a mediocre ballclub.

With a 2-16 record heading into Wednesday night's game at Indiana, the Bulls again will be hard-pressed to shed the distinction of being the only NBA team not to win a road game this season.

"Best-case scenario, Randy will be back with us in practice Tuesday," coach Tim Floyd said of Brown's knee injury. "The trainers and the doctors will make the decision whether they want to do an MRI. If there is still some pain there Monday, that's an option.

"We're playing right now without our four top perimeter players: Kukoc and Hoiberg and Randy Brown and Hersey Hawkins."

B.J. Armstrong must become the steadying force in a backcourt that features rookie Dedric Willoughby and second-year player Corey Benjamin.

Armstrong has played in only the last three games after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in October. Doctors say he should not play more than 15 minutes a game until his knee is stronger.

"I just have to bear with that right now and realize that I want to be here for the remainder," Armstrong said. "I have to work with my body. That's kind of frustrating, but I'm happy that I'm able to play. I feel good; I feel healthy."

Armstrong scored 10 points in Saturday night's 108-87 loss at Orlando after playing in the 71-69 victory over New Jersey at home Friday night.

"The back-to-back games . . . I played 14 minutes and then all of a sudden I played 22 (Saturday)," Armstrong said. "That's not all bad for an 11-year veteran. I'm really pleased that my body still can respond."

Floyd knows he must pace Armstrong's gradual return to duty.

"The temptation exists, but reality tells you it's a long season and we need to heed doctors' orders and keep him out there only as long as we're allowed to," Floyd said.

Armstrong was diligent about his rehabilitation. At 32, he had to be.

"You can work out all you want," he said, "but guys like Stephon Marbury and Darrell Armstrong . . . those guys are quick."